An obstetrician-gynecologist (OB GYN) is a doctor who specializes in all aspects of female reproductive health, from the teen years until past menopause; they are considered separate from both pediatricians, who deal with infants and small children, and specialists in internal medicine. Many women are fearful of making a trip to the clinic, but it is important to seek out an OB GYN if you plan to start a family--and even if you aren't. Before you settle on an OB GYN, here are some questions you should keep in mind.

Do you take my insurance?
Insurance plans vary, and not all gynecologist-obstetricians will accept every one of them. If you do not have insurance, you need to ask about the clinic's payment plans.

Are you certified?
Though certification is voluntary for OB GYNs, it may be a good idea to pick one who has gone through the process. The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology keeps a list of certified physicians.

Can you treat my specific medical needs?
Some women have health problems that may lie outside the normal scope of an OB GYN's experience. The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology also provides certification for subspecialties such as gynecological cancers and infertility problems.

What sort of procedures do you use?
Ultrasound, hysterectomy, breast exams, abortion, endometriosis--you should know how your doctor deals with matters such as these.

How big is your practice?
You should know how many other women your physician is treating; an overburdened doctor is unlikely to give you proper care. If you are seeking an OB GYN for the duration of your pregnancy, you should also know if your doctor works alone or as part of a group. Because no one can control exactly when you will give birth, it's possible that your child will be delivered by another physician.

"All this office has been is nothing but problems since the start. Dr snook is my doctor, it's my first baby, and has bee...n the most unpleasurable experience; I wouldn't even wish it upon my worst ..."

Clinics that offer gynecological services to women often need several types of employees for their business to properly serve patients. The OB GYNs are the most important professionals working for the clinics. These doctors have been specially trained in gynecology and obstetrics. This means that they have the ability to offer standard health services to women. The gynecologists often know a considerable amount about internal medicine, breast exams, and family planning.

In addition to the OB GYN physicians, many clinics rely on nurses who have been trained to provide specific services. For instance, a nurse might receive training that teaches her or him to use ultrasound machines. This allows them to detect signs of pregnancy, endometriosis, and other health conditions that the doctor will need to diagnose through a full exam.

Some gynecologists also have counselors that provide mental services to women. Counselors can help women make decisions about issues such as family planning and menopause. The counselor might help patients weigh their birth control options, overcome emotional difficulties associate with abortions, and recover from the emotional effects of a hysterectomy.

Whether a clinic provides pediatric care, obstetric services, or infertility counseling, they usually have medical office workers that have been trained to work with confidential records. These office workers are important because they perform several duties that allow the clinic to function efficiently. They might keep files organized for gynecologists and obstetric physicians at the clinic. They might also send bills to clients who have received care from pediatricians and OB GYNs.